Apparatus and method for burnishing a replica tape

Abstract

A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface includes a housing, the housing including an exterior portion and an interior hollow portion; a contact member contained within the interior hollow portion; a spring arranged in the interior hollow portion and configured so as to apply a biasing force on the spherical contact member so that a portion of the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion; the exterior portion comprising a flat portion having an opening therein, such that the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion through the opening; the opening including a first area; the flat portion comprising a second area; wherein a ratio of the second area over the first area is at least two.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface, the tool comprising:
 a housing, the housing comprising an exterior portion and an interior hollow portion;   a contact member contained within the interior hollow portion;   a spring arranged in the interior hollow portion and configured so as to apply a biasing force on the spherical contact member so that a portion of the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion;   the exterior portion comprising a flat portion having an opening therein, such that the spherical contact member protrudes from the interior hollow portion through the opening;   the opening comprising a first area;   the flat portion comprising a second area;   wherein a ratio of the second area over the first area is at least two.   
     
     
         2 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the contact member is spherical. 
     
     
         3 . The tool according to  claim 2 , wherein a lip is formed at the portion of the flat portion adjacent the interior hollow portion so as to retain the spherical contact member within the interior hollow portion. 
     
     
         4 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein a member is provided between the spring and the contact member to transmit force from the spring to the spherical contact member. 
     
     
         5 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring is configured to apply a force of about 450 grams on the contact member. 
     
     
         6 . The tool according to  claim 1 , wherein the ratio of the second area over the first area is at least four. 
     
     
         7 . A method of burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure with a tool having a flat surface with an opening in it, and a spring-loaded contact member protrudes from the opening, wherein the method comprises:
 applying the flat portion of the tool on the replica tape; and   moving the tool over the replica tape so that the spring-loaded contact member applies a substantially consistent pressure on the replica tape.   
     
     
         8 . A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface, the tool comprising:
 a first elongated portion having a first end and a second, rounded end;   a holder; and   a flexible cylinder, wherein a first end of the flexible cylinder is attached to the holder and the first end of the first elongated portion is connected to a second end of the flexible cylinder.   
     
     
         9 . The tool according to  claim 8 , wherein the flexible cylinder is a coiled spring. 
     
     
         10 . A method of burnishing a replica tape with consistent pressure with a tool according to  claim 8 , the method comprising:
 applying the rounded end of the tool on the replica tape; and   applying pressure on the replica tape with the rounded end while holding the holder.   
     
     
         11 . A tool for applying consistent pressure on a flat surface, the tool comprising:
 a long arm having a torsion spring mounted at one end thereof;   a short arm having a first end that is rounded and capable of burnishing a replica tape;   a second end of the short arm includes a protrusion that is configured to engage with the torsion spring such that that the short arm can pivot with respect to the long arm.